by Jaden | Appetizers/Bites, Asian, Main Course, Recipes | 14 comments
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Is this not the most brilliant name for a sandwich?! It’s created by the one and only, Joe Yonan, food guru over at the Washington Post and one of the most happy journalists I’ve ever met (really!)
He’s got a new cookbook out, called Eat Your Vegetables: Bold Recipes for the Single Cook – it elegantly follows his first book, Serve Yourself: Nightly Adventures in Cooking for One.
Eat Your Vegetablesby Joe Yonan
Joe is a true omnivore (I’ve witnessed him slurp down raw oysters and turn around for a bite of tripe once in Seattle), so he understands how to create vegetarian recipes with full, satisfying flavor, texture and playfulness….like this Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich.
Kimchi is the national food of Korea, it’s a condiment/pickle served at the table. The most popular kimchi is made of cabbage, garlic, shredded carrots, green onion and of course, lots of chile. It’s SPICY! Us wimpy folks will blot some of the chile off with our napkin (or on our rice) before taking a bite.
Spicy, crunchy, tangy kimchi is perfect with smooth, soothing cheddar cheese. The “Joe Yonan Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich” also features thinly sliced sweet and crunchy Asian pear (or in my case, green apple because I couldn’t find any Asian pear).
Joe also says, “Omnivores, the sandwich also takes nicely to the addition of a little ham…” I’ll add that prosciutto is my choice of ham for this sandwich.
I’ve got another recipe in the works from Joe’s book – stay tuned for Kale Salad with Miso-Mushroom Omelet coming next week.
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Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich Recipe Video
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Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich
Adapted from Eat Your Vegetables Bold Recipes for the Single Cook by Joe Yonan. Joe's original recipe is for 1 serving, of course. I've adjusted the recipe to serve 4 (no sense in fighting over 1 single Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich in my house of 4). If you have a panini grill - feel free to use that instead of a frying pan. If the kimchi is a little too spicy, you can use a paper towel to lightly blot some of the chile flecks away.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup store-bought kimchi, drained
- 1 green apple or Asian pear, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.
For each sandwich, spread butter evenly on both sides of two slices of bread. Layer the kimchi, green apple (or Asian pear) and cheese evenly on one piece of bread and top with the other slice of bread.
Set a medium skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, then lay the sandwich in the pan and cook, pressing with a spatula from time to time, until the underside is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Repeat on the other side, transfer to a plate, and eat.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Reprinted with permission from Eat Your Vegetables by Joe Yonan, copyright © 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc.Food Photography credit: Matt Armendariz © 2013
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beverly on 7/24/18 at 9:28 pm
So tasty looking!
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Laura @ Laura's Culianry Adventures on 12/9/13 at 11:40 am
These looks so great! I love Kimchi! I would never have thought to add it to a grilled cheese, but it’s a great idea!
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borisa on 12/5/13 at 6:19 am
This recipe look so yummy. I will definitely try to make this Kimcheese Sandwich today. Thank you for excellent idea.
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See AlsoHow To Declutter RecipesCaitlin on 11/15/13 at 3:59 pm
I had to use a gluten-free bread but I was pleasantly surprised how good the asian pear and kimchi was in a grilled cheese sandwich. I will be making this again. Unfortunately it will have to be when I’m home alone since, unlike me, the rest of my family doesn’t like asian food.
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Andreja on 11/11/13 at 4:36 pm
wonderful job, I like it
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Jeanne on 11/7/13 at 8:36 pm
Looks delish! I went vegan in May, so I will try this with vegan cheez. Hmm, a kimcheese with sourdough bread might be good…
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Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com on 11/7/13 at 7:22 pm
Wow – what a wonderful take on grilled cheese – the addition of apple/pair and kimchi sounds so good!
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Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg on 11/7/13 at 1:31 pm
This sandwich looks delicious and I do love the name. I like kimchi unlike my family. I would try this when I’m home alone.
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Chris on 10/31/13 at 1:11 pm
That is kind of twisted but I love it just the same. That color just pops, great photos.
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Kevin @ Closet Cooking on 10/30/13 at 7:42 am
What a great looking sandwich! I love kimchi in grilled cheese! I will have to try adding the apple next time instead of the bacon. 🙂
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ayna on 10/30/13 at 4:29 am
i just found your blog and it was awesome! I LOVE all your food…look so delicious!
http://thestoryofayna.blogspot.com/
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Susan J on 10/29/13 at 9:09 pm
That sammy sure looks good. I just happen to have a bit of kimchi in the fridge. Lunch tomorrow!
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Denise on 10/29/13 at 8:50 pm
Someone just told me of your blog and also “Cooking With Mr. C.” on Facebook, also a blog. I just “Liked” his Facebook page and came to your blog. It looks good. Denise
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caryl hodgdon on 10/29/13 at 8:19 pm
This looks great. Can’t wait to try all of your recipes-it might make my winter bearable!!!
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